Posted on 11/04/2017 2:38:00 AM PDT by Kaslin
The New Orleans Saints have a wonderful 50 year relationship with long suffering fans that have supported the team through mostly losing seasons. Unfortunately, the team is putting that relationship in jeopardy with their asinine position on the National Anthem controversy.
For some unknown reason, the team’s management and coaching staff have decided to support the right of disgruntled players to protest alleged social injustice during the National Anthem. In week 3 of the season, ten players sat for the Star-Spangled Banner and since that time multiple players have been kneeling prior to the anthem being played.
These stunts have been greeted by well deserved boos by upset fans in the Louisiana Superdome. Sadly, the team has not gotten the message that their actions are insulting to patriots who believe this type of protest is disrespectful to not only our veterans, but also to all Americans who love their country.
By kneeling, the team is showing solidarity with Colin Kaepernick, the former San Francisco 49ers Quarterback, who started the National Anthem protest last year. At that time, Kaepernick claimed that he was protesting police brutality and racial injustice. The problem is that Kaepernick wore a t-shirt in support of communist Cuban dictator and mass murderer Fidel Castro. He also wore socks depicting police officers as pigs. Thus, it is mind boggling that any team would allow players to be associated with such an idiot.
This week, the controversy was brought to the forefront once again when Retired U.S. Navy Commander John Wells, Executive Director of the Military Veterans Advocacy organization, decided to reject a People’s Health Champion award that was supposed to be presented to him at this Sunday’s home game. The award is given during each game in the Louisiana Superdome to a senior citizen who demonstrates “exceptional achievements.”
Although Wells said he was “honored” to be selected for the award, “since this award is tainted with the dishonorable actions of the NFL and its players, I cannot accept it. To do so would be hypocritical.” Instead of privately meeting with Mr. Wells to discuss the issue, the Saints issued a lengthy public statement blasting the retired Navy Commander. According to the Saints organization, Wells chose to “distract from awareness we hoped to build throughout our community.” Really, the team is criticizing a disabled veteran with over 20 years of service to his country for having the audacity to “distract” from their great “awareness” building. Instead of awareness, the team is building community resentment by their disrespectful protests.
The Saints also called Wells’ actions “unfortunate and disappointing,” and “sad and divisive.” In reality, the Saints players are disappointing many of their fans and being divisive by allowing these protests to continue. The team is coddling spoiled stars who are paid millions of dollars to play a game. These stars are not the victims of discrimination and most of them are clueless as to why they are even protesting. According to Saints safety Kenny Vaccaro, the players are bringing “awareness to a cause.” What cause is that Kenny, communism or police hatred?
The protests have no place during the Saints pregame ceremonies. This is a time for both players and fans to show respect for America, sing the National Anthem, honor our military and first responders, and not engage in political statements. If players want to protest alleged social injustice, they should do it during their free time, not during games that hard working fans pay big money to attend.
The NFL owners should have taken a firm stand against these protests at their last meeting. Instead, they took no action and Commissioner Roger Goodell issued a weak statement expressing his desire that players stand for the National Anthem. Unfortunately, it was not backed by any threats of disciplinary action so it was meaningless. According to Commander Wells, “Their (NFL) failure to act is a slap in the face to all of those who have served in uniform. Men and women have fought and died for the flag that the players are disrespecting.”
Bravo Commander Wells, you are speaking for millions of Americans who are offended by these demonstrations. Until the NFL gets the message and stops the player protests, the once popular league will continue to self-destruct.
The NFL needs to die. I will NEVER watch people who disrespect our country, our flag and our national anthem.
People are sick and tired of sports being perverted to showcase hating America. And an athlete who kneels when its time to show honor to America is dead to me.
This is the NFL’s cross to bear and I hope it chokes on it.
The Saints also called Wells’ actions “unfortunate and disappointing,” and “sad and divisive.”
This is how they treat an American hero.
The people of New Orleans have seen their true character.
Now its time to make sure they go out of business.
Mr. Wells is an inspiration for his stance.
God bless you Mr Wells and thanks for your service.
FUNFL
The NFL may already have a self-inflicted wound that is unrecoverable. Many fans will never return. Even those willing to return if they apologized and stopped insulting us might adjust to a replacement activity and just not need football in their schedule. Many looking for entertainment that doubles as a conversation topic may get tired of "don't want to hear about it" from patriotic friends who will never want to hear football discussions again. I hope their rudeness has passed the social tipping point and we're just waiting for the NFL's pulse to stop.
We are engaged in a culture war. NFL is on the dark side. Choose you side.
if I were a good young college football player I would seriously wonder if there will be any appreciable NFL left by my draft time.
I am beginning to think that us veterans need to start picketing NFL games.
You would think that after the out-pouring of help by the nation as a whole during and following Katrina that New Orleans would in particular be grateful for living here.
Perhaps an offer of free travel to their chosen home lands would make them feel better
Wow...there is NO glimmer that the NFL, Goodall, the team owners, or the players yet understand what is going on. Blaming U.S. Navy Commander John Wells for “distracting” from their their protests is the ultimate chutzpah. What an appalling team. NFL vs America...there’s only one way that turns out.
There’s an easy fix for this one. Don’t watch NFL or buy their sponsors products
Especially don’t buy sponsors’ products , ...and send them an email letting them know .
How dare this military man not support the kneelers. Doesn’t he know that the players are the real fighters for freedom. ( btw, that was sarcasm).
I’m thinking that Veterans should kick Bergdahl’s ass every time he appears outside his hidey-hole.
As well, the Saints described their support of the military and their families as “unwavering”.
“That is unfortunate and disappointing considering the New Orleans Saints’ unwavering 50-plus year commitment to honor, support and recognize our servicemen and women and veterans.”
See http://www.neworleanssaints.com/news-and-events/article-1/Statement-from-the-New-Orleans-Saints/f56cabb5-f9c7-479e-8cdb-be3281fe7f42 for their original statement in full.
Apparently all leftists have the same dictionary.
And it can fit on both sides of a single sheet of paper.
They can’t stop themselves using ‘divisive.’
But what’s more divisive than contempt for patriotic symbols of a nation amd Constitution that affords such freedoms?
Well if they say so.
Their retort reads like something written by a 21 year old female Sorosite who just ‘graduated’ from a left wing college.
Well done Commander. Your self respect is intact. Screw the Saints and the NFL too, let them stew in their own crap.
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